Under the training of John Veitch, Alydar began his racing career in 1977, making his first start in the Youthful Stakes and finishing fifth. He then won a maiden race before meeting Affirmed for the second of six times at the age of two. While they had met in the Youthful Stakes, the pair really began their rivalry in the Great American Stakes.

Derby Day in 1997. The hot favourite Entrepreneur failed to reproduce his best form but the game and consistent Benny The Dip made his move early in the straight and apparently had the rest of the field beaten. Suddenly, Silver Patriarch, who had been almost struggling to keep pace earlier, began a storming run.

Bosra Sham, a print by the artist Sue Wingate. Bosra Sham was one of the most beautiful and talented fillies to grace a racecourse. Her major victories include Fillies Mile at ascot, 1000 gns, Champion Stakes at Newmarket and the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Thoroughbred Bay Stallion, 1990 by Palace Music - Solar Slew, by Seattle Slew. Breeder/Owner: Allen E. Paulson ; On loan from: Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. ; Trainer: William I. Mott.

In 1902, M.W. Savage purchased Dan Patch from Manley E. Sturgis for $60,000. It was under Savage's ownership that the racehorse excelled - setting records and charming crowds until his death in 1916. Love for the famous pacer only grew when in 1906 Dan Patch broke the world record by completing the mile in 1 minute and 55 seconds. This famous race occurred at the Minnesota State Fair.

OHHA was formed in 1961. The purpose of the Association was to represent Ontario harness horsemen/horsewomen in negotiations of purses, racing conditions, and all matters affecting the industry as a whole; with the tracks, Standardbred Canada, the Ontario Racing Commission, and the Provincial and Federal governments.

One of the greatest rivalries in racing history would have to be Affirmed and Alydar. They raced each other 10 times, from June 15, 1977, in the Youthful at Belmont, to August 19, 1978, in the Travers at Saratoga. Affirmed won seven of these matches including thrilling duels in all three Triple Crown races.

At the start of 1978, there had never been back-to-back Triple Crown winners and no horse had ever had to beat the same rival in all three races to earn the Triple Crown title. All that changed during the course of 1978, when Affirmed and Alydar provided the racing world with equal amounts of thrills and pathos.

The story of Assault, with the breeding of a champion in his bloodlines, is one that epitomizes the heart and courage of race horse. By Bold Venture and out of Igual, he became the greatest of King Ranch's major stakes winners, completing a racing career that brought eighteen victories and total earnings of $674,720.

In an eerie repeat of their running together in last month's Sandown Classic Trial, Benny The Dip and Silver Patriarch flashed over the line together at the finish of the first £1 million Vodafone Derby, at Epsom. As at Sandown, Benny The Dip held a narrow advantage, his short-head verdict yesterday, in a desperate finish, being achieved on the nod.